The mascots look fun. The names are good too. I think they will do well as they don't look weird like the Olympics mascots did (who on earth designed them?) but cuddly and cute. I also like the idea of having the flags on Grubber's t-shirt. That reminds everyone that the world cup isn't just about whether England can beat Australia!

Ultimately, though, they are for children. I think they'll be a hit with their target audience.

Steed, I really hope Steeden are sponsoring the balls, otherwise we'll look a bit daft and his name will have to be changed to Gilbert or Mitre.

Mascots work. My son loved Wenlock and Mandeville, and he could identify them individually weeks before the Olympics started. Hopefully we'll have the same reaction in the host cities for the world cup.

disques vogue

The club where Eurovision isn't a dirty word. A waltz through the leopard skin lined world of Tom Jones, Bert Kampfert and Burt Bacharach. Step out to the sound of the happy hammond and swing to the seductive sounds of the samba.

I can confirm 30+ less sales for Scotland vs Italy at Workington, after this afternoons test purchase for the Tonga match, £7.50 is extremely reasonable, however a £2.50 'delivery' fee for a walk in purchase is beyond taking the mickey, good luck with that, it's cheaper on the telly.

This is the most balls I've seen on a thread since I last bothered to read one in which the Parksider had participated.

I can confirm 30+ less sales for Scotland vs Italy at Workington, after this afternoons test purchase for the Tonga match, £7.50 is extremely reasonable, however a £2.50 'delivery' fee for a walk in purchase is beyond taking the mickey, good luck with that, it's cheaper on the telly.

PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF http://www.rugbyleaguecares.org/ and http://www.walesrugb...-wales-for-2013Predictions for the future -Crusaders RL to get a franchise for 2012 onwards -WRONGWidnes Vikings also to get a franchise - RIGHTCrusaders RL to do the double over Widnes and finish five places ahead of them -WRONGWidnes Vikings NOT to dominate rugby league in years to come! STILL TO COME

A good mascot can go a long way towards creating a great tournament experience for spectators. I will never forget, for example, going to the Ice Hockey World Championships in Germany and seeing a giant blue dinosaur dancing with the cheerleaders. Whenever he performed acrobatics or interacted with the fans, it seemed to lift an already cracking atmosphere up a further notch. I think Grubber and Steed will work well and will help fans attending their first game to enjoy their day out.